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Mr. Speaker, a strong economy does not happen by accident, especially here in the North. The Government of the Northwest Territories is not sitting and waiting for a miracle.

We are focused on steady groundwork and diversification, and our efforts are paying off. The Northwest Territories economy is more diversified than many see, but we need to continue to grow our diverse sectors. It is powered by people and industries that reach far beyond resource development: film, small business, arts and culture, fishing, emerging innovation sectors and, what I speak of today, tourism.  

Last year, we welcomed more than 75,000 visitors who contributed an estimated
$155 million in spending. Nearly one in twelve jobs in the NWT are linked to tourism, underscoring the sector’s important role in the economy and its potential for further growth. This sector is ripe with opportunities, creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for Northerners across the entire territory.

That is why, Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to provide an update on Tourism 2030, the next five-year plan to grow and evolve the tourism economy.

Tourism 2030 will be released in April and is built by Northerners, through extensive engagement across the territory. The government clearly heard that tourism must grow in a way that delivers real benefits to communities, protects the land, strengthens culture, and ensures visitors leave with experiences they will never forget.

Tourism 2030 will be built around five clear priorities: building industry capacity; enhancing visitor experiences; expanding sustainable tourism products; strengthening marketing and communications; and, making better use of data. Each priority is supported by concrete actions, timelines, and measurable outcomes.

Mr. Speaker, we have already begun work on capacity building, with continued support for tourism mentorship programs, training funds, and workshops that help operators grow and improve service quality. These efforts reflect Tourism 2030’s focus on workforce development, so operators and communities can capitalize on new markets and the right types of visitors.

Enhancing visitor experiences is two-fold, requiring investments in community-based tourism and sustainable tourism products. Programs like the Community Tourism Coordinators Program help ensure visitors experience the Northwest Territories through authentic stories, local knowledge, and meaningful connections with the people who live here.

Mr. Speaker, for people to travel here, they first must know we are here, ready to welcome them, and introduce them to the spectacular Northwest Territories. ITI works closely with Northwest Territories Tourism, marketing and promoting the territory under the highly recognizable Spectacular Northwest Territories brand. At the same time, outreach within the territory will increase through the Value of Tourism campaign, which highlights how tourism supports local jobs, businesses and community vitality.

Finally, to ensure the actions laid out in Tourism 2030 are evidence-based, responsive, and effective, data and research will be better utilized. Embedding data into all decision-making positions the government to track progress, adapt when needed, and remain accountable to residents and industry.

Tourism is good for the economy of the Northwest Territories and brings so much more.

It is a way of sharing who we are, where we come from, and how we live on this land. It creates connections between visitors and communities, supports the preservation of culture and traditions, and strengthens pride in the stories and experiences that make the North unique.

Tourism 2030 will provide a clear path forward, shaped by Northern voices and grounded in sustainability and culture. It reinforces our commitment to ensuring tourism creates real opportunities for Northerners, from good jobs to new business ventures, and delivers lasting benefits for communities across the territory.

Mr. Speaker, the work is underway, and I look forward to continuing to report on our progress as we continue to build a resilient, inclusive, and world‑class tourism sector for the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.